A COMPREHENSIVE METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATED OPTIMIZATION OF SHIP STRUCTURES

A comprehensive rationally-based method is presented for the automated optimum structural design of ships. The method contains three principal features:--a rapid, design-oriented finite element program developed especially for structural optimization;--a comprehensive set of subroutines for the accurate estimation of the various modes of collapse and unserviceability;--an optimization method based on a new form of sequential linearization capable of solving the resulting large-scale, non-linear, highly constrained optimization problem. The objective may be any continuous non-linear function of the design variables, such as weight or cost. The method is illustrated by applying it to the optimal design of a typical general cargo ship. The overall dimensions and the design loads are the same as for SD14. Also, since this vessel has proven to be a successful and cost-effective design, it was used as the basis for determining the load factors and cost ratios for the sample problem. The program contains 74 design variables and 542 constraints, of which 220 are non-linear. Order from BSRA as No. 53,346.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Paper presented at PRADS-International Symposium on Practical Design in Shipbuilding, Tokyo, 18-20 October 1977.
• Corporate Authors:

  Intl Symposium on Practical Design in Shipbuilding

  Tokyo,   Japan 
• Authors:
  • Hughes, O F
  • Mistree, F
• Conference:
  • Paper presented at PRADS-International Symposium on Practical Design in Shipbuilding, Tokyo, 18-20 October 1977.
• Publication Date: 1977

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 35

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer aided design; Computer programs; Constraints; Design; Finite element method; Naval architecture; Optimization; Ships; Structural design; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Design constraints; Ship design
• Old TRIS Terms: Ship structures
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00316719
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 8 1980 12:00AM